The Spring Chicken Reverb pedal from Malekko Heavy Industry looks like a normal, simple, one-knob pedal. Nothing too fancy, easy to use, and it can probably only create one or two useable sounds, right? WRONG. This deceiving little gem packs a reverberated wallop, especially when utilizing the “secret” knob on the side that you may have already overlooked…you did, didn’t you? Told ya. This pedal is no one-hit wonder, let’s see why not…
First off, the one main, huge control knob on the front of this pedal is called Cluck, and it controls the amount of reverb the Spring Chicken puts out at any given time. The range on the Cluck control is vast and glorious, capable of going from an awesome surf rock or country pickin’ sound to an enormous springy soundscape, with just the turn of one knob. The secret weapon here is located on the left side of the pedal, and is very slyly labeled Dwell, which is an interactive control that boasts a few tasty uses. In addition to controlling the wetness of the reverberated signal, it also controls the bounce and length of the signal as well. Interacting with the Cluck knob, this control is the heart of the Spring Chicken, and will produce otherworldly echoes and oscillation when experimented with. The creation of this self-oscillation is not generally found in a reverb pedal of this type, and is a welcome addition to the genre.
As an added bonus, Malekko has upgraded this newer version with an optional Expression Pedal input, which controls the reverb swells, and allows for hands-free adjustment of the effect, leading to more experimentation and intrigue. Not blessed with a lot of frills, but plenty of thrills, the Spring Chicken is a welcome reverb in a sea of halls, springs and plates. The self-oscillation really makes this pedal unique, and the ability to control it with your foot is just an added bonus. Thanks to Anna and the crew at Malekko Heavy Industry for the wonderful opportunity to test this pedal out: I’ve heard great things about it for years, and finally was able to experience it for myself. If you don’t already know, Malekko is making some of the most innovative pedals around today, so go and check ’em out!
Submitted by Mike B, Website
Demo Rock pedalboard by West Coast Pedalboard
